Quran & hadith of the moment
Qur'anic Verses & Hadiths of the Moment
by Amir MakinPromise of Paradise
That He may admit the believing men and women to Gardens under which rivers flow to abide therein forever, and to expiate from them their sins, and that in the Sight of Allah is a supreme success. Surat Al Fath or Chapter 48:5
Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said, Cleanliness is half of faith and al-Hamdu Lillah (or saying all Praise is due Allah) fills the scale, Subhan Allah (or saying Glorified is Allah) combined with al Hamdu Lillah fill up what is between the heavens and the earth. Prayer (or salat) is a light, and charity (or sadaqa) is proof of one's faith and patience (or sabr) is a brightness and the Holy Qur'an is a proof on your behalf or against you. All men go out early in the morning and sell themselves, thereby setting themselves free or destroying themselves. Muslim Vol I # 432
UWM commentary: Each Muslim should understand that remembrance of Allah, prayer, and righteous acts done to please their Lord should be an extension of their belief in the revelation of the Qur'an. If mankind lives each day with this philosophy then they benefit themselves immeasurably as indicated by the Quranic verse below, if they choose to exercise a philosophy based on immorality, or unjust characteristics then they will be devoid spiritually and thus ultimately corrupt themselves.
Acts of Righteousness for Allah
This is the Book (Qur'an) whereof there is no doubt, a guidance to those are pious, who believe in the unseen, offer the prayers perfectly, and spend out of what we have provided for them, and who believe in what has been sent down to you (Muhammad) and in which were sent down before you and they believe with certainty in the Hereafter. Surat Al Baqarah or Chapter 2:2-4
Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) was asked what were the best acts of righteousness. First he said to believe in Allah, after that to participate in Jihad (struggle for the sake of Allah alone), next is to perform pilgrimage (hajj).
On another occasion, he was asked the same question to which he repsonded by saying the first was to perform the prayers at their appointed times, then expressing kindess to one's parents, then participating in Jihad. Muslim Vol 1 #148-149
UWM commentary: Even though the Qur'an and the way of life called Al Islam was revealed to all of humanity, Allah is saying that only those who love to obey Him by enjoining the good and forbidding the wrong will be able to fully access all of its spiritual benefit. Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) emphasized this by naming some acts of righteousness that are not only pleasing to one's Lord, but beneficial to one's soul. The theory behind this is by doing what Allah loves, that in turn He might place peace in one's heart and soul, thus eventually purifying and perfecting the character of the individual.